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ConflictsIran

US seizure of Iranian cargo ship drives tensions, oil prices

Ed McCambridge
April 20, 2026

US Iran tensions have flared again after US marines seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. Washington says the vessel tried to breach a blockade, while Tehran calls the move "piracy" and a ceasefire violation.

https://p.dw.com/p/5CWax

US marines have seized the Iranian cargo ship Touska in a dramatic helicopter raid.

It's the first vessel captured since Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump blamed the crew for ignoring US Navy warnings, saying the ship is now in US custody.

Tehran has condemned the seizure as maritime piracy and a breach of a ceasefire agreed on April 7.

As tensions escalate and talks stall, uncertainty is driving global oil prices higher.